The Hospital Employees’ Union has joined the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition advocating for a ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum.
“We believe that the more we can do to alleviate congestion in the region, the better it is for workers who rely on the public transit system and an efficient road network,” says HEU secretary-business manager Bonnie Pearson.
“That’s why we’re happy to join a large, diverse group of organizations supporting the ‘yes’ vote in this referendum. It’s the most important decision our region will make for the next 30 years as we prepare to welcome one million more residents to the area.”
A 2012 study of HEU members revealed that one in four HEU members living in Metro Vancouver face staggering commute times to work.
Those commuting to and from work by automobile face an average 1 hour and 20 minutes a day behind the wheel, while those on public transit typically face a two-and-one-half hour ride.
HEU will be working to mobilize their members to vote for the ‘yes’ side and will be present at the coalition launch on Thursday, February 5 at noon at the SFU Segal Building.
HEU represents 46,000 health care employees working primarily in B.C.’s acute care hospitals and long-term care facilities – 26,000 who are living and working in Metro Vancouver.
